What is behind the name hyaluronic acid?

Veröffentlicht am: October 08, 2024

Naturopath

Many people waste endless hours applying harmful beauty products to keep their skin looking young and vibrant. But there is a much better way:

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) makes your skin glow and also benefits your joints - without the harmful side effects of toxic skin care products.

Dermatologists and other doctors often recommend hyaluronic acid. The compound improves the texture and appearance of the skin and relieves joint pain and other symptoms associated with aging. Many people know hyaluronic acid as an ingredient in expensive anti-ageing products. However, it can also be found in joint maintenance products, cold relief products, eye drops and lip balms.

What exactly is hyaluronic acid and how does it work?

Hyaluronic acid is an oily, clear substance that is produced in the body itself. The highest content of hyaluronic acid in the human body is in the skin, joints, eye sockets and other tissues. The acid helps to store collagen, increases the skin's moisture content and provides elasticity and flexibility.

Today, hyaluronic acid is contained in various beauty products and other health products, such as lotions, creams, serums and food supplements containing hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid also occurs naturally in bone broth. Therefore, an increased intake of bone broth or protein powder from bone broth can increase the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the body.

When applied topically (externally), our body cannot absorb hyaluronic acid. The salt of hyaluronic acid is called sodium hyaluronate. It has a much smaller molecule size and can also penetrate the skin when applied topically. This is why it is often contained in creams and other elixirs.

6 advantages of hyaluronic acid

1. moisturizes dry, aging skin

Yes, hyaluronic acid is a moisturizer. Many people report a fresher skin feeling after applying a serum containing hyaluronic acid. The area under the eyes becomes firmer, the skin texture finer. Hyaluronic acid primarily improves the appearance of skin that has aged prematurely due to sun exposure by compensating for water loss. This is one reason why hormone replacement treatments sometimes lead to a rejuvenated skin appearance. The HA concentration in the skin increases through the application, sun damage is reduced.

Dryness, dandruff, drooping eyes or lips and generally sagging skin - all this awaits us as we get older. The molecules in the skin lose some of their ability to bind and store water. This not only leads to dryness, but also reduces the skin's volume. Skin ageing processes are triggered by both intrinsic and extrinsic ageing, i.e. daily exposure to environmental pollutants and UV light as well as the "normal ageing process". Studies show that several areas of the skin are involved in the control of hyaluronic acid synthesis, deposition, cell and protein association and degradation.

Researchers have found that the dryness of the stratum corneum caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight plays an important role in the formation of wrinkles. It has now been shown that wrinkles and fine lines are usually more visible in areas with low humidity compared to areas with high humidity. This is because low humidity puts additional strain on the skin's water retention capacity and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid can naturally help to reduce visible signs of ageing by reducing "epidermal moisture loss". This is associated with sun exposure as well as dry and flaky skin.

2. soothes wrinkles

Within a few weeks of topical application of a product containing hyaluronic acid, the moisture content of the skin's surface can visibly increase. In most studies, the appearance of the skin improved after six weeks or more of application. Sometimes the first results were seen after just two to four weeks. Anti-wrinkle serums and eye creams containing hyaluronic acid were tested. For lasting anti-ageing results, dermatologists use prescription injections or formulations that deliver hyaluronic acid over several months to tighten sagging lips and eyes.

The results of a randomized double-blind clinical study from 2014 were published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology". The scientists wrote that products containing hyaluronic acid effectively reduced the appearance of wrinkles and reduced sagging skin within 30 days of consistent use. Some study participants also reported fuller lips and increased cheek volume (two features associated with a youthful appearance) at the end of the test month.

The study was conducted on 40 adult women who showed mild to moderate clinical signs of skin ageing prior to the study, including reduced skin volume and changes to the skin surface. After the application of a product (containing six different forms of hyaluronic acid) or a placebo, the results were measured after three hours and after seven, 14 and 30 days.

The researchers concluded that after 30 days (some after just 14 days), the subjects showed significant "improvements in facial contours and volume" compared to the placebo group and baseline measurements. Subjects in the active treatment group benefited from less sagging skin on the face and around the cheekbones, increased lip volume and a reduction in wrinkle depth and volume. No such improvements were seen in the placebo group.

In a separate study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, scientists evaluated a new topical small molecule nano-hyaluronic acid preparation for wrinkles, skin hydration and skin elasticity in humans. 33 women with an average age of 45 years were studied over a period of eight weeks to test the efficacy of a new nano-hyaluronic acid against wrinkles.

The study results show a statistically significant moisturizing effect, a finer skin texture and improved skin elasticity. To summarize: "The new nano-hyaluronic acid showed a significant advantage in reducing wrinkle depth (up to 40 percent) after eight weeks. Skin hydration (up to 96 percent) and skin firmness and elasticity were also significantly improved (up to 55 percent)."

3. soothes sore spots, sunburn and wound healing

Hyaluronic acid not only soothes wrinkles and dry skin, but is also beneficial in the treatment of cold sores and mouth sores, ulcers, bites and burns. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes damaged tissue. Hyaluronic acid can also soothe sunburn. Many gels for treating mouth sores and blisters contain hyaluronic acid. This is intended to speed up the healing process and prevent cracks or bleeding.

Hyaluronic acid is one of several structural components of the mouth and lips that consist of connective tissue. Collagen and water are needed to build up connective tissue. Collagen and hyaluronic acid give lips their structure and shape. Because hyaluronic acid binds to water, it can moisturize the skin and tissue around the mouth/lips and strengthen the bonds. It helps to deliver nutrients to damaged tissue, controls inflammation and ensures that waste products are flushed out.

4. lubricates aching joints

Hyaluronic acid is present in all bones, connective tissue, joints, tendons and cartilage throughout the body, particularly a form called hyaline cartilage, which coats and cushions the ends of bones. The acid forms a kind of buffer and makes a valuable contribution against joint wear and tear and can also alleviate pain and sensitive joints in connection with degenerative joint diseases.

It is also found in another important part of our joints, the synovial membrane. This covers two joint bones and produces what is known as synovial fluid. This is a "viscous fluid" that helps the joints to absorb shocks, remain elastic and transport nutrients to the cartilage.

Hyaluronic acid is now often added to dietary supplements to treat pain and injuries associated with osteoarthritis. It has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of osteoarthritis, even at relatively high doses when administered by injection by a physician. Some research suggests that even lower doses may be effective in reducing joint stiffness and chronic pain. However, various studies do not consistently provide these results. The most common joint pains treated with hyaluronic acid include elbow and knee pain.

5. relieves dry and sore eyes

The fluid in the eye socket (vitreous humor) consists almost entirely of hyaluronic acid. Eye drops containing hyaluronic acid can therefore help to relieve chronically dry eyes. They moisturize the eye socket, promote tear production and help to restore the fluid balance. Some studies have also shown that hyaluronic acid helps to suppress oxidative damage caused by UVB light in the cornea.

Doctors often use lubricating hyaluronic acid products to treat eye injuries and disorders, including cataracts. This is especially true before or after surgery. This is when our eyes are at their most sensitive and dry. Drops containing hyaluronic acid can be very helpful during eye surgery or the recovery period. This applies to the treatment of cataracts, corneal transplants or the restoration of a detached retina.

6. protects against inflammatory bowel diseases

Natural hyaluronic acid, which is produced by the body or is found in chicken collagen, is present in large particles. These are effective in the intestine and protect against inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis or help to alleviate them.

Excessive use of isolated hyaluronic acid - whose particles are smaller than those of natural hyaluronic acid - can sometimes lead to increased inflammation in the gut. By consuming foods and supplements rich in hyaluronic acid, such as bone broth or protein powder made from bone broth, you can promote your natural healing processes in the gastrointestinal system and protect yourself from so-called leaky gut syndrome.

Hyaluronic acid compared to glucosamine

Like hyaluronic acid, glucosamine also provides more elasticity and structure in joints and tissue and can be used to relieve pain.
The main difference between the two compounds is that hyaluronic acid provides more lubrication as it can store water. Glucosamine offers more structure and strength.
Hyaluronic acid is an integral component of synovial fluid and articular cartilage. Glucosamine (especially when used with chondroitin sulphate) supports cartilage formation. In principle, hyaluronic acid is more useful for healthy synovial fluid and is particularly important for shock absorption. Glucosamine prevents cartilage and collagen loss.
Most people see the best results when they use both products together. Scientists have even shown that glucosamine increases hyaluronic acid production.
In addition to hyaluronic acid and glucosamine, some anti-ageing formulas contain other substances to protect the joints, such as manganese sulphate. Taken together, these compounds can effectively relieve osteoarthritis pain, improve the functions of the cartilage matrix and replenish the synovial fluid.

Side effects of hyaluronic acid

According to the FDA, hyaluronic acid applied orally or topically is normally considered safe.

Pregnant women: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplements and injections containing hyaluronic acid.
Use of injections: For injections, the doctor's instructions must be followed very carefully to avoid vascular changes or damage to the eyes
Allergy: People who are allergic to eggs or feathers should not use the products. If you have existing allergies, you should always follow the ingredients and dosage instructions carefully to rule out any potential risks.
Medication: People taking medication that affects blood clotting should not use preparations containing hyaluronic acid, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.

Concluding remarks on hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating fluid that is naturally found in our skin, eyes, joints, body fluids and connective tissue.
Hyaluronic acid can absorb a lot of water. The compound is therefore often added to lotions, eye drops or serums to provide structure and moisture to damaged tissue.
Certain forms of hyaluronic acid also have anti-inflammatory properties and can reverse collagen and cartilage damage.
Hyaluronic acid can tighten the skin, relieve pain in the joints and moisturize wounds and dry eyes.

Hyaluronic acid infographic

Sources (in English):

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